Daniel 10:8 | |
8. Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned into corruption, and I retained no strength. | 8. Et ego relictus fui solus, et vidi visionem magnam hanc, et non fuit residuum in me robur 1 atque etiam decor 2 meus eversus fuit super me, in me, ad corruptiones 3 et non retinui vigorem. |
This language all tends to the same purpose -- to assure us that Daniel did not write his own comments with rashness, but was truly and clearly taught by the angel on all the points which he committed to writing, and thus all hesitation is removed as to our embracing what we shall afterwards perceive, as he is a faithful interpreter of God. He first states he saw a vision. He had said so before, but he repeats it to produce a due impression; he calls the vision great, to arouse our attention to its importance. He adds,
PRAYER.
Grant, Almighty God, as thou didst formerly appear to Daniel thy holy servant, and to the other prophets, and by their doctrine didst render thy glory conspicuous to us at this day, that we may reverently approach and behold it. When we have become entirely devoted to thee, may those mysteries which it has pleased thee to offer by means of their hand and labors, receive from us their due estimation. May we be cast down in ourselves and be raised by hope and faith towards heaven; when prostrate before thy face, may we so conduct ourselves in the world, as in the interval to become free from all the depraved desires and passions of our flesh, and dwell mentally in heaven. Then at length may we be withdrawn from this earthly warfare, and arrive at that celestial rest which thou hast prepared for us, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. -- Amen.
Lecture Fifty-Fourth.
1 Or, no vigor was left in me. -- Calvin
2 Verbally, and comeliness. -- Calvin
3 That is, to vanishing away. -- Calvin